Table 3.
Thematic network of findings
| Basic themes | Organising themes | Global themes |
|---|---|---|
| -Community groups are built on egalitarian principles |
Community groups are often characterised by ‘female traits’ |
Group membership and dialogue encourage members to engage with HIV prevention, mitigation and care efforts |
| -More women than men take an active role in community groups | ||
| -Men can benefit from joining mixed gender groups | ||
| -Community groups provide members with opportunities for psychosocial development |
Community groups are an important source of support and empowerment for group members |
|
| -Community groups provide members with a source of support during times of hardship | ||
| -Many community groups, but not all, are committed to HIV work |
Many community groups are active in HIV management |
|
| -Many community groups contribute to the delivery of HIV services | ||
| -There is a need for externally resourced organisations because of limits of local support structures |
Externally resourced organisations are important actors in support of HIV-affected community members |
Networks and partnerships mobilise and make available much needed resources for the community response to HIV prevention, mitigation and care |
| -NGOs and other externally resourced organisations and active in supporting programmes for HIV-affected community members | ||
| -There is a call for greater NGO support and presence as the demand exceeds supply | ||
| -Community members realise that only by working together can they respond to the HIV epidemic |
Community initiated groups continue to play a key role in responding to HIV – serving as the entry point for NGO support |
|
| -Groups and active participants are more likely to collaborate with NGOs and contribute with the delivery of HIV services | ||
| -The donor-beneficiary relationship is negotiated carefully for a good fit. |
How NGOs engage with communities and community groups matters |
|
| -NGOs are thought to have a simplistic understanding of local needs | ||
| -Improved HIV services have changed the social landscape regarding HIV |
There has been a normalisation of HIV and AIDS |
Community strengths and resources are recognised and drawn upon in the community response to HIV prevention, mitigation and care |
| -A gradual openness around HIV has contributed to the slow breakdown of stigmatising attitudes and health damaging practices | ||
| -It is a social norm to provide care and support for vulnerable community members |
Community contexts are characterised by an ethic of care and assistance |
|
| -Those close to families affected by HIV play a key role in the provision of care and support | ||
| -Some community members support HIV-affected households | ||
| -The lack of rain water and alternative water sources leave many people without enough food |
The natural habitat is inhospitable, making subsistence farming difficult |
Obstacles and barriers are acknowledged and considered in responses to HIV |
| -Poverty makes it difficult for caregivers of vulnerable children to adequately care for them |
Poverty undermines the well-being of, and responses to, HIV-affected and infected community members |
|
| -The quality and access to public services occasionally prevent HIV-affected community members from accessing support |
Structurally disabling environment inhibit support for HIV-affected community members |
|
| -Some macro-level influences inhibit a conducive environment for HIV-affected community members | ||
| -Damaging cultural practices and idle talk can still serve as a barrier to HIV management | There continues to be symbolic and cultural barriers to the support of HIV-affected community members |